1990 Toyota Corolla: Reliability Data

Source: NHTSA — 31 complaints
31
Total Complaints
Automatic Transmission
Top Issue
3
Crash Reports

What Fails?

Most reported component issues from NHTSA complaints.

Automatic Transmission
4
Tires
4
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
3
Retractor
3
Gasoline
2
Buckle Assembly
1
Clutch Assembly
1
Engine
1
Recliner
1
Tread/Belt
1

Severity Assessment

3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

Sample Complaint Reports

"SEATBELT FAILURE, UNABLE TO LATCH SEATBELT ON DRIVER SIDE. TT"
"FRONTAL COLLISION IMPACT 1:00, SPEED 35 MPH, LAP/SHOULDER ON DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT RETRACT. TT"
"DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT, AND ARE LOOSE. TT"

Source: NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Names and identifying details omitted.

When Were Complaints Filed?

Number of complaints by the year the issue occurred.

Where Are Complaints Coming From?

Top states by complaint count.

CA: 5 RI: 4 GA: 3 WI: 3 NY: 3 NJ: 2 MI: 2 FL: 2 AL: 1 00: 1

Who Files Complaints?

25.8%
Original Owners
74.2%
Second+ Owners

Toyota Corolla — Other Years

See how this model compares across different model years.

YearComplaintsCrashes
19919622
19921158
199315446
199419978
199522663
199615134
199714922
199827845
199918830
200017635
200116339
200214138
2003857142
200455885
2005969144
2006970163
2007983165
200837895
20091769276
20101567210
201168971
201249654
201326962
2014379104
2015303104
2016306104
201727167
201819333
201928139
202038035
202123428
202211117
202310816
20248919
2025286

Active Recalls (1)

Federal safety recalls issued for this vehicle.

Suspension
Campaign 10E002000 | 11/02/2010
THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Extend Your Transmission Life

Based on the most common issues reported for this vehicle.

  • Change transmission fluid at manufacturer intervals — not 'lifetime' fluid
  • Come to a full stop before shifting from reverse to drive
  • Don't ride the brakes on hills — use a lower gear
  • Check transmission fluid level and color monthly — dark fluid needs changing
  • Address slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement immediately

Compare Toyota Corolla

vs Honda Civic →

Vehicle Rankings

Most complained Worst transmissions Worst engines Worst brakes Most crashes Compare vehicles

Looking for a replacement?

Based on the data above, here are relevant options.

1990 Toyota Corolla parts on Amazon
→

Affiliate link

Data source: View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov | NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Public domain.

Methodology: Complaint counts and mileage distributions are computed directly from consumer-reported NHTSA complaints. This data represents reported issues, not failure rates — vehicles without complaints are not represented. Full methodology.

Data through: 2026-03-28